What is this drug used for?

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

If your child has an allergy to this drug or any part of this drug.

If your child is allergic to any drugs like this one or any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for your child to take this drug with all of his/her drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

All products:

Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this drug.

All oral products:

Have your child’s blood sugar checked as you have been told by your child’s doctor.

Do not give the oral drug to a child who has passed out.

Injection:

Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.

This drug may contain aluminum. There is a chance of aluminum toxicity if you are on this drug for a long time. The risk is greater if you have kidney problems. The risk is also higher in premature infants. Talk with the doctor.

This drug may be mixed into parenteral nutrition (PN). Blood clots in the lungs, infections, high blood sugar, and liver problems have happened with PN. Sometimes, deaths from blood clots in the lungs have happened. If you have any questions, talk with the doctor.

Use with care in newborns. Talk with the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

All products:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Very bad dizziness or passing out.

All oral products:

Blood sugar stays low after stopping the drug.

Injection:

Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems like mood changes, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, very bad dizziness or passing out, fast heartbeat, more thirst, seizures, feeling very tired or weak, not hungry, unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced, dry mouth, dry eyes, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.

Change in color of skin to a bluish color like on the lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes.

Fever or chills.

Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.

Pain and irritation where this drug goes into the body.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

All oral products:

Upset stomach or throwing up.

Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

All oral products:

Follow how to give this drug as you have been told by your child’s doctor or read the package insert.

Make sure your child swallows the drug.

You may repeat in 10 minutes if blood sugar is still low.

Chewable tablet:

Have your child chew well before swallowing.

Injection:

It is given as a shot into a vein.

It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

All oral products:

This drug is given on an as needed basis. Do not give to your child more often than told by the doctor.

Injection:

Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

All oral products:

Store at room temperature.

Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Injection:

If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

All products:

Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.

Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.

Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.

Talk with your child’s doctor before giving your child any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.

Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Last Reviewed Date

Copyright

If you have any questions or concerns, contact a member of your healthcare team directly or call 212-639-2000 for help.

If you have any questions or concerns, talk with a member of your healthcare team. You can reach them Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at ____________________. After 5:00 pm, during the weekend, and on holidays, please call____________________. If there’s no number listed, or you’re not sure, call 212-639-2000.